App-001619 Operations of the Gochas Fuel Retail Facility, Hardap Region
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APP-001619 OPERATIONS OF THE GOCHAS FUEL RETAIL FACILITY, HARDAP REGION ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN Assessed by: Assessed for: Gochas Lewendehawe Agente CC July 2020 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Gochas Lewendehawe Agente CC requested Geo Pollution Technologies (Pty) Ltd to undertake an environmental assessment for the operations and construction (maintenance) of an existing fuel retail facility on plot 446, First Avenue, Gochas. The facility will supply diesel and unleaded petrol from underground storage tanks via dispensers on a forecourt area. Construction activities will include the upgrade of underground storage tanks, all reticulation, forecourt area with pump islands and buildings. General operations will involve the receipt of fuel from road tankers, dispensing fuel to vehicles, and day to day administrative tasks. The environmental assessment is conducted to determine all environmental, safety, health and socio- economic impacts associated with the operations and maintenance of the facility. Relevant environmental data was compiled by making use of secondary data and site data. Potential environmental impacts and associated social impacts were identified and are addressed in this report. The proposed facility is situated in an area with mixed land use, and surrounded mainly by residential and commercial properties. Due to the nature and location of the facility, limited impacts are expected on the surrounding environment. It is however recommended that environmental performance be monitored regularly to ensure regulatory compliance and that corrective measures be taken if necessary. Operations of the fuel retail facility plays a positive role in contributing to a reliable supply of fuel to mainly the surrounding community and agricultural industry, but also to a lesser degree the tourism sector and transport industry. The major concerns related to the operations and maintenance of the fuel retail facility are that of potential groundwater, surface water and soil contamination, health impacts, traffic, and the possibility of fire. This will however be limited by adherence to relevant South African National Standards and Material Safety Data Sheet instructions. Furthermore, noise levels should meet the minimum requirements of the World Health Organisation. By appointing local contractors and employees, and by implementing educational programs, the positive socio-economic impacts can be maximised while mitigating any negative impacts. The environmental management plan included in Section 7 of this document should be used as an on- site reference document during all phases of the facility. All monitoring and records kept should be included in a report to ensure compliance with the environmental management plan. Parties responsible for transgression of the environmental management plan should be held responsible for any rehabilitation that may need to be undertaken. A health, safety, environment and quality policy should be used in conjunction with the environmental management plan. Operators and responsible personnel must be taught the contents of these documents. Local or national regulations and guidelines must be adhered to and monitored regularly as outlined in the environmental management plan. TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................1 2 SCOPE ...................................................................................................................................................................2 3 METHODOLOGY ..............................................................................................................................................2 4 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...............................................................................................................................2 4.1 INSTALLATION INFRASTRUCTURE .....................................................................................................................2 5 ADMINISTRATIVE, LEGAL AND POLICY REQUIREMENTS ............................................................3 6 ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS .................................................................................................6 6.1 LOCALITY AND SURROUNDING LAND USE .......................................................................................................6 6.2 CLIMATE ............................................................................................................................................................6 6.3 TOPOGRAPHY AND DRAINAGE ..........................................................................................................................6 6.4 GEOLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY ......................................................................................................................6 6.5 PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY ....................................................................................................................................7 6.6 FAUNA AND FLORA ............................................................................................................................................7 6.7 DEMOGRAPHIC AND ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS ........................................................................................7 7 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ..............................................................................................8 7.1.1 Planning ...................................................................................................................................................9 7.1.2 Revenue Generation and Employment ................................................................................................ 10 7.1.3 Skills, Technology and Development ................................................................................................... 11 7.1.4 Demographic Profile and Community Health .................................................................................... 12 7.1.5 Fuel Supply............................................................................................................................................ 13 7.1.6 Traffic .................................................................................................................................................... 14 7.1.7 Health, Safety and Security .................................................................................................................. 15 7.1.8 Fire ........................................................................................................................................................ 16 7.1.9 Air Quality ............................................................................................................................................. 17 7.1.10 Noise ...................................................................................................................................................... 18 7.1.11 Waste production .................................................................................................................................. 19 7.1.12 Ecosystem and Biodiversity Impact ..................................................................................................... 20 7.1.13 Groundwater, Surface Water and Soil Contamination ...................................................................... 21 7.1.14 Visual Impact ........................................................................................................................................ 22 7.1.15 Cumulative Impact ................................................................................................................................ 23 7.2 DECOMMISSIONING AND REHABILITATION ................................................................................................... 24 7.3 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ................................................................................................... 24 8 CONCLUSION.................................................................................................................................................. 24 9 REFERENCES .................................................................................................................................................. 25 LIST OF APPENDICES APPENDIX A: RETAIL LICENCE ........................................................................................................ 26 APPENDIX B: CONSULTANTS ’ CURRICULUM VITAE ......................................................................... 28 LIST OF FIGURES FIGURE 1-1. PROJECT LOCATION ......................................................................................................... 1 FIGURE 4-1. SITE LAYOUT .................................................................................................................. 3 LIST OF TABLES TABLE 4-1. TANK STORAGE DETAILS ................................................................................................ 2 TABLE 5-1. NAMIBIAN LAW APPLICABLE TO THE FUEL RETAIL FACILITY ............................................ 3 TABLE 5-2. RELEVANT MULTILATERAL ENVIRONMENTAL AGREEMENTS FOR NAMIBIA AND THE DEVELOPMENT ................................................................................................................ 5 TABLE 5-3. STANDARDS OR CODES OF PRACTISE .............................................................................. 5 TABLE 6-1. SUMMARY OF CLIMATE DATA FOR THE AREA (D IGITAL